Health targets: shorter waits for patients in Northland and Auckland
Patients across Northland and Auckland are getting faster access to care, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
"Healthcare in the Northern region is improving steadily. Patients are spending less time in emergency departments, waits for surgery and specialist appointments are coming down, and more children are being protected from preventable disease," Mr Brown says.
"We know there is more work to do, and that is exactly why now is the time to build on this progress."
These results mark the second annual milestone toward the 2030 health targets. Key results in the Northern region from April to June include:
- Shorter stays in emergency departments: the Northern region is the highest performing in the country, with Counties Manukau recording the largest annual gain of any district, up 11.9 percentage points to 76.9 per cent. Northland leads the region on 86.0 per cent.
- Shorter waits for first specialist assessments: Counties Manukau up 8.3 points to 76.5 per cent, the strongest result in the region, with Auckland up 7.2 points to 68.0 per cent and Waitematā on 68.7 per cent.
- Improved childhood immunisations: Auckland on 88.2 per cent, with Counties Manukau up 3.7 points to 87.9 per cent and Waitematā up to 84.7 per cent.
- Faster cancer treatment: Northland up 6.2 points to 89.5 per cent, within half a point of the 2030 target of 90 per cent.
- Shorter waits for elective treatment: Counties Manukau up 9.8 points to 74.7 per cent.
Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more Aucklanders and Northlanders receive their elective surgeries within four months, including hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.
"Behind every one of these numbers is someone who is off the waiting list and on the way to getting their life back. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.
"Improving health outcomes is exactly why this Government has been so focused on responsible fiscal management. Careful management of the books is what allows us to keep investing in the services New Zealanders rely on most, while keeping taxes low.
"There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $32 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes on the way to 2030."
Northern region report card HERE
